Postgraduate Psychology Courses

In the article we will be discussing Postgraduate Psychology Courses. Post graduate courses in psychology can be pursued both at the Master’s and at the Doctoral level. The Master’s degree can be either Master of Arts or Master of Science. You could attain a Master’s degree which is designed as an entry permit for a particular job. There are also Master’s Degrees which are only a part of a doctoral program. To become a professional psychologist, it is mandatory to earn a post graduate Doctoral qualification.

A Doctoral degree in psychology in America, can be of three types: PhD and PsyD – both are Doctors of Psychology, and EdD which is Doctor of Education. The degree is reflective of the type of post graduate training that you have done and from where, for example, the School of Education or Department of Psychology. Like all psychology degree courses, you have the option of earning degrees on campus or online.

While the bachelor’s degree course in psychology takes four years to complete, a post graduate degree course would take anywhere from 1 to 3 years based on your choice of course. The doctoral degree course takes another three to four years to complete. Thus you need about seven years to complete a post graduation course in psychology. Of course, everything depends on your choice of course and your own background education.

Admission is comparatively tougher in post graduation courses than an undergraduate course. There are a number of factors which determine your eligibility for a post graduate course in psychology in America, and these are discussed below.

Marketing yourself

A lot depends on how you promote your application to the committee responsible for admissions. Chances are that you can get in if you can persuade the authorities regarding your clarity of vision, your devotion and single-mindedness in achieving your career ambition with a post graduate degree in psychology. Your written and verbal communication skills should be at its peak performance level.

Look Who’s Recommending

Get good recommendation letters from teachers, leaders and other renowned members of the public who know you, or have had experience in watching you at work. This can make the job of the admission authorities easier, if you were known to someone, they regard as an expert. This letter of recommendation also proves your genuine interest in the subject as well as eagerness to pursue a career.

Relevant experience

Have you ever worked in mental health centers? Were you ever involved in working for a psychiatric clinic? These things show how keen you are to know and learn more about psychology.

Viva Voce

This is your time to impress the authorities with your communication skills. Usually held near the end of the admission process, face-to-face interviews are excellent opportunities to show your keenness in the science of psychology and how you can further the cause of psychology to bring about good mental health wherever you are.